I`m Backing...

In the sidebar you will see that I’ve put three new buttons. I quickly put these buttons together in advance of the SNP spring Conference as we’ll be selecting the 6 candidates that will stand for the party in the European elections in 2009 (feel free to copy the buttons to your site if you support them).

Of the confirmed candidates I`ve heard so far there are three that I`m supporting. Alyn Smith MEP, Aileen McLeod and Duncan Ross. Why these people I`m sure you are wondering.

I`m backing Alyn as he’s one of the hardest working MEPs in the entire European Parliament. He has worked to make the European Parliament relevant to Scottish life by raising issues both serious (calling for an EU wide organ donor register) and the not-so serious (confirming Scotland can enter Eurovision). He’s been a great credit to the European Parliament and the SNP.

Aileen McLeod is someone who I`ve campaigned with up and down the Country and for my money she is one of the most informed people on EU issues and functions that I`ve had the good fortune to meet. Her website is up and running (www.aileen-mcleod.eu) and it’s an excellent resource for learning more about how Europe impacts on our lives. I think she’ll make an excellent MEP for Scotland and ambassador for the SNP.

Te third person I`m backing is Duncan Ross, the National Secretary of the SNP. I first campaigned with Duncan during the last European elections. Duncan was the SNP’s 8th candidate for a list of 7. Despite the fact there would be no chance whatsoever that he would stand a chance of being elected he campaigned up and down the country for the others and for the party. From what I saw other than the top two candidates on the list he was the most voracious campaigner. Besides that he is intelligent, articulate and a damn nice fellow with it.

I don`t yet have a full list of the potential candidates, but I heard a few other names who would also make excellent candidates if they go forward. These three though are definitely going to be at the top of my list.